Unicondylar tibia implants

ABSTRACT

Unicondylar tibia implant devices having a bone-facing, distal side that can be detailed with cement fixation features and may include any of or a plurality of grooves, pegs, fins, rails, cavities, and/or coating whereby the geometry of the implant device improves implant-to-cement or cement-to-bone fixation characteristics exceeding that of a traditional flat surface. The implant device may also include a proximal side facing away from the bone-facing, distal side and having a geometry that provides either articulation with (cartilage and meniscal substituting) or receipt of a secondary device coupleable to the implant device on the distal side of the secondary device that features an away-from-bone facing articulating feature. Additionally, the geometry of the implant device in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions, among other directions, provides a variety of improvements relative to currently available devices.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase of International PCTApplication No. PCT/US2017/032863 filed May 16, 2017, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/337,020 filed May 16,2016, the contents of each application hereby incorporated by referencein their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present application generally relate to implantdevices for unicondylar knee arthroplasty. More particularly, but notexclusively, embodiments of the present application relate toanatomically shaped tibial implant devices for unicondylar kneearthroplasty.

Partial (unicondylar) knee arthroplasty, also referred to asunicompartmental knee replacement or partial knee replacement, is aprocedure in which one of either the medial or lateral compartments ofthe distal femur and/or the proximal tibia can be replaced with animplant device. Typically, implant devices used for partial kneearthroplasty are designed to at least attempt to anatomically fit theproximal tibia anatomy of the patient. Moreover, at least certain typesof implant devices used for partial knee arthroplasty have been designedto be interchangeable between compartment/hand, such that the oppositehand/compartment can be used as a secondary placement recommendation.For example, in certain instances, an implant device that is designedfor use on the medial compartment can be implanted on the lateralcompartment of the opposite hand.

Such devices however can suffer from a number of issues, includingissues relating to reliability, performance, and/or wear of the implantdevice. For example, implantation on the lateral compartment of a tibiaimplant device that is designed for use on the medial compartment of theopposite hand can adversely impact the performance of the implantdevice, as there can be a lack of anatomic conformance to the lateralgeometry of the resected tibia. Further, poor tibial fit on both themedial and lateral tibial plateaus can lead to patient complications.Additionally, compromises are often made as to the size of the implantdevice when the implant device is used in the opposite compartment.Moreover, such an approach may not fully satisfy the anatomicrequirements of the off design secondary application. For example,attempts to utilize an implant device in a manner in which the implantdevice is used in an opposite hand/compartment application can result inthe use of an implant device that is smaller or larger than the implantdevice would have been if that implant device had been configured toanatomically fit that particular compartment and hand. Such compromisesand/or the lack of anatomic conformance can provide less than idealimplanted conditions in each application.

Attempts to overcome such issues have included patient specificimplants. Such implants can be based on information obtained from scansof the bone and/or knee structure of a patient. Moreover, such scanningcan be utilized to generally match the tibial resection of the patient.Yet, in addition to being costly, such an approach further exposes thepatient to additional medical scanning.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present application provide unique implant devices.Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantagesof the present application shall become apparent from the descriptionand figures provided herewith.

An aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that can include an outer edgeincluding a first edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterioredge. At least a portion of the first and second edges can be separatedby an ML width, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterioredges being separated by an AP width. Additionally, the outer edge canfurther include a posterior curve and an anterior curve, at least aportion of the anterior and posterior curves can extend along the secondedge. Further, the anterior curve can have a radius of curvature that isabout 75 to about 100 percent the ML width, the posterior curve can havea radius of curvature that is about 70 to about 90 percent the ML width,and the AP width can be about 160 percent to about 190 percent the M-Lwidth.

Such an implant device can also include, among other features, one ormore of the following, as well as various combinations thereof: thefirst edge being configured to be parallel to the midline AP axis of thetibia; the first edge being angled anterior to posterior to the AP axisof the tibia; the first edge having an angled orientation configured tofollow the medial edge of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments;and/or the anterior and posterior curves being joined by a transitionsurface that is posterior of the midline of the AP axis of the tibia andwhich extends for a length that is about 0 to about 25 percent the MLwidth.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that includes an outer edge having afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge. Atleast a portion of the first and second edges can be separated by a MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges can beseparated by an AP width. Further, the outer edge of the implant devicecan further include a posterior curve, a medial curve, and an anteriorcurve, at least a portion of the anterior, medial, and posterior curvesextending along the second edge. Additionally, the anterior curve canhave a radius of curvature that is about 75 to about 100 percent the MLwidth, and the anterior curve can extend about 60 to about 80 percent ofML width from the first edge. The media curve of the implant device canalso have a radius of curvature that is about 90 to about 110 percent ofthe ML width, and a tangency of the medial curve to the AP axis of thetibia can be posterior the AP midline and up to 25 percent of the MLwidth. The posterior curve can have a radius of curvature that is about70 to about 90 percent the ML width. Additionally, the posterior curvecan begin about 0 to about 25 percent of the ML width from the firstedge and extend to about 75 percent, but less than 100 percent, of theML width from the first edge. Further, the AP width can be about 160 toabout 190 percent the ML width.

Such an implant device can also include, among other features, one ormore of the following, as well as various combinations thereof: thefirst edge being configured to be parallel to the midline AP axis of thetibia; the first edge being angled anterior to posterior to the AP axisof the tibia; and/or the first edge having an angled orientationconfigured to follow the medial edge of the anterior and posteriorcruciate ligaments.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that includes an outer edge having afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge, atleast a portion of the first and second edges can be separated by MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges can beseparated by an AP width. The outer edge of the implant device canfurther include a lateral curve that extends along at least a portion ofthe second edge. The lateral edge can have a radius of curvature that isabout 55 to about 70 percent the ML width. Additionally, the lateralcurve can begin within about 10 percent of the ML width from the firstedge and the AP width can be about 110 to about 150 percent the MLwidth.

Such an implant device can also include, among other features, one ormore of the following, as well as various combinations thereof: thefirst edge being configured to be parallel to the midline A-P axis ofthe tibia; the first edge being angled anterior to posterior to the A-Paxis of the tibia; and/or the first edge having an angled orientationconfigured to follow the lateral edge of the anterior and posteriorcruciate ligaments.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that includes an outer edge having afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge, atleast a portion of the first and second edges can be separated by MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges can beseparated by an AP width. Additionally, the outer edge of the implantdevice can further include a posterior curve, a lateral curve, and ananterior curve, at least a portion of the anterior, medial, andposterior curves extending along the second edge. The anterior curve canbegin within about 20 percent of the ML width from the medial edge andextend to the lateral curve and can have a radius larger than thelateral curve up to and including an infinite radius. Additionally, thelateral curve can begin at a junction with the posterior curve, extendthrough the tangency with the second edge, and end at the junction ofthe anterior curve between about 30 to about 75 percent of the ML widthfrom the first edge. The tangency of the lateral curve with the midlineof the first edge can be within about 0 to about 20 percent of the MLwidth posterior of the midline. Further, the posterior curve can have aradius of curvature that is smaller than the radius of curvature of theanterior and lateral curves. The posterior curve can begin about 20percent of the ML width from the first edge and extend to about 75percent, but less than 100 percent, of the ML width from the first edge.Additionally, the AP width can be about 110 percent to about 150 percentthe ML width.

Such an implant device can also include, among other features, one ormore of the following, as well as various combinations thereof: thefirst edge being configured to be parallel to the midline AP axis of thetibia; the first edge being angled anterior to posterior to the AP axisof the tibia; and/or the first edge having an angled orientationconfigured to follow the lateral edge of the anterior and posteriorcruciate ligaments.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that includes an outer edge having afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge, atleast a portion of the first and second edges being separated by MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges beingseparated by an AP width. The outer edge can further include a posteriorcurve, two lateral curves, and an anterior curve, at least a portion ofthe anterior, lateral, and posterior curves extending along the secondedge. The anterior curve can begin within about 20 percent of the MLwidth from the medial edge, extend to the lateral curve, and have aradius larger than the lateral curve up to and including an infiniteradius. The two lateral curves can begin at a junction with theposterior curve, extend through the tangency with the second edge, andend at the junction of the anterior curve between about 10 to about 60percent of the ML width from the anterior edge. The two lateral curvescan be composed of either one or two sections, the two lateral curveseach having a radius that is larger than the radius of curvature of theposterior and anterior curves, and the tangency of the two lateralcurves with the midline of the second edge being within about 0 to about20 percent of the ML width posterior of the midline. The posterior curvecan begin about 10 to about 60 percent of the ML width from the firstedge. The posterior curve can be joined to the first edge by arelatively straight surface or a curve having a radius that exceeds thetwo lateral curves, and extend to about 75 percent, but less than 100percent, of the ML width from the first edge. The AP width can be about110 to about 150 percent the ML width.

Such an implant device can also include, among other features, one ormore of the following, as well as various combinations thereof: thefirst edge can be configured to be parallel to the midline AP axis ofthe tibia; the first edge can be angled anterior to posterior to the APaxis of the tibia; and/or the first edge can have an angled orientationconfigured to follow the lateral edge of the anterior and posteriorcruciate ligaments.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that includes an outer edge having afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge, atleast a portion of the first and second edges being separated by MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges beingseparated by an AP width. An end of the first edge can be angledanterior to posterior to the AP axis of the tibia to provide an end ofthe first edge adjacent to the posterior edge at a posterior offsetposition. The outer edge can further include a posterior curve, alateral curve, and an anterior curve, at least a portion of theanterior, lateral, and posterior curves can extend along the secondedge. The anterior curve can begin within about 20 percent of the MLwidth from the first edge, extends to the lateral curve, and have aradius that is larger than the lateral curve up to and including aninfinite radius. The lateral curve can begin at a junction with theposterior curve, extend through the tangency with the second edge, andend at the junction of the anterior curve between about 40 to about 100percent of the ML width from the first edge. The radius of curvature ofthe lateral curve can be smaller than the radii of curvature of theanterior and posterior curves. The tangency of the lateral curve withthe midline of the first edge can be within about 0 to about 20 percentof the ML width posterior of the midline. The posterior curve can have aradius of curvature that is smaller than the radius of curvature of theanterior curve and larger than the lateral curve. The posterior curvecan extend to about 70 to about 100 percent of the ML width from thefirst edge, and the AP width can be about 110 to about 150 percent theML width. The first edge of such an implant device can also have anangled orientation that is configured to follow the lateral edge of theanterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that includes an outer edge having afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge. Atleast a portion of the first and second edges can be separated by a MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges can beseparated by an AP width. The outer edge can further include a posteriorcurve, a lateral curve, and an anterior curve, at least a portion of theanterior, lateral, and posterior curves can extend along the secondedge. The anterior curve can begin within about 20 percent of the MLwidth from the medial edge, extend to the lateral curve, and have aradius that is larger than the lateral curve, up to and including aninfinite radius. The lateral curve can begin at a junction with theposterior curve, extend through the tangency with the second edge, andend at the junction of the anterior curve between about 40 to about 60percent of the ML width from the first edge. The tangency of the lateralcurve with the midline of the first edge can be within about 0 to about20 percent of the ML width posterior of the midline. The posterior curvecan have a radius of curvature that is smaller than the radius ofcurvature of the anterior and lateral curves. The posterior curve canbeginning about 20 percent of the ML width from the first edge andextend to about 40 to about 60 percent of the ML width from the firstedge. The radius of curvature of the posterior curve can be smaller thanthe radii of curvature of the anterior and lateral curves. Additionally,the AP width can be about 110 percent to about 150 percent the ML width.

Such an implant device can also include, among other features, one ormore of the following, as well as various combinations thereof: firstedge can be configured to be parallel to the midline AP axis of thetibia; the first edge can be angled anterior to posterior to the AP axisof the tibia, or the first edge can have an angled orientation that isconfigured to follow the lateral edge of the anterior and posteriorcruciate ligaments.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia having an outer edge that includes afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge, atleast a portion of the first and second edges being separated by MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges beingseparated by an AP width. The outer edge further includes a posteriorcurve, two lateral curves, and an anterior curve, at least a portion ofthe anterior, lateral, and posterior curves extending along the secondedge. The anterior curve begins within about 20 percent of the ML widthfrom the medial edge, extends to one of the two lateral curves, and hasa radius larger than the lateral curve up to and including an infiniteradius. The anterior curve can be coupled to the first edge by a portionof the anterior edge that is acute or at a right angle to the firstedge. The two lateral curves can begin at a junction with the posteriorcurve, extend through the tangency with the second edge of the firstedge, and end at the junction of the anterior curve between about 20 toabout 50 percent of the ML width from the anterior edge. The tangency ofthe two lateral curves with the midline of the second edge can be withinabout 0 to about 20 percent of the ML width posterior of the midline.The posterior curve can begin extending from about the first edge to adistance about 20 percent of the ML width from the first edge. Theposterior curve can have a radius that is smaller than the radii ofcurvature of the two lateral curves, and the AP width can be about 110percent to about 150 percent the ML width.

Such an implant device can also include, among other features, one ormore of the following, as well as various combinations thereof: thefirst edge being configured to be parallel to the midline AP axis of thetibia; the first edge being angled anterior to posterior to the AP axisof the tibia; and/or the first edge having an angled orientation that isconfigured to follow the lateral edge of the anterior and posteriorcruciate ligaments.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that includes an outer edge having afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge, atleast a portion of the first and second edges being separated by MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges beingseparated by an AP width. An end of the first edge can be angledanterior to posterior to the AP axis of the tibia to provide an end ofthe first edge adjacent to the posterior edge at a posterior offsetposition. The outer edge can further include a posterior curve, alateral curve, and an anterior curve, at least a portion of theanterior, lateral, and posterior curves can extend along the secondedge. The anterior curve can begin within about 20 percent of the MLwidth from the medial edge, extend to the lateral curve, and have aradius that is larger than the lateral curve. The lateral curve canbegin at a junction with the posterior curve, extend through thetangency with the second edge, and end at the junction of the anteriorcurve between about 40 to about 60 percent of the ML width from thefirst edge. The tangency of the lateral curve with the midline of thefirst edge can be within about 0 to about 20 percent of the ML widthposterior of the midline. The posterior curve can have a radius ofcurvature that is smaller than the radius of curvature of the anteriorand lateral curves. The posterior curve can begin about 25 to about 35percent of the ML width from the offset end of the first edge. Theposterior curve and first end can be joined by a transition surface thatis angled in the posterior direction. The radius of curvature of theposterior curve can be smaller than the radii of curvature of theanterior and lateral curves, and the AP width can be about 110 percentto about 150 percent the ML width. The first edge of such an implantdevice can also have an angled orientation that is configured to followthe lateral edge of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description herein makes reference to the accompanying figureswherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout theseveral views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary implantdevice that can be utilized for unicompartmental knee replacement.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the exemplary implant device depictedin FIG. 1 implanted in a knee joint.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary tibial baseplatemounted in a resected tibial plateau of a tibia.

FIG. 4 illustrates a distal side view of an exemplary tibial baseplate.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front side view of the exemplary tibial baseplatedepicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6A illustrates a proximal side view of a medial unicondylar tibiaimplant having at least two curves according to certain embodiments ofthe present application.

FIG. 6B illustrates the medial unicondylar tibia implant(s) depicted inFIG. 6A and certain identified geometries of the implant(s) superimposedover an exemplary proximal tibia portion of a tibia.

FIG. 7A illustrates a proximal side view of a medial unicondylar tibiaimplant having at least three curves according to certain embodiments ofthe present application.

FIG. 7B illustrates the medial unicondylar tibia implant(s) depicted inFIG. 7A and certain identified geometries of the implant(s) superimposedover an exemplary proximal tibia portion of a tibia.

FIG. 8A illustrates a proximal side view of a lateral unicondylar tibiaimplant having at least one lateral curve according to certainembodiments of the present application.

FIG. 8B illustrates the lateral unicondylar tibia implant(s) depicted inFIG. 8A and certain identified geometries of the implant(s) superimposedover an exemplary proximal tibia portion of a tibia.

FIG. 9A illustrates a proximal side view of a lateral unicondylar tibiaimplant having at least three lateral curves according to certainembodiments of the present application.

FIG. 9B illustrates the lateral unicondylar tibia implant(s) depicted inFIG. 9A and certain identified geometries of the implant(s) superimposedover an exemplary proximal tibia portion of a tibia.

FIG. 10A illustrates a proximal side view of a lateral unicondylar tibiaimplant having up to four lateral curves according to certainembodiments of the present application.

FIG. 10B illustrates the lateral unicondylar tibia implant(s) depictedin FIG. 10A and certain identified geometries of the implant(s)superimposed over an exemplary proximal tibia portion of a tibia.

FIG. 11A illustrates a proximal side view of a lateral unicondylar tibiaimplant having at least three lateral curves and an angled posterioroffset according to certain embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 11B illustrates the lateral unicondylar tibia implant(s) depictedin FIG. 11A and certain identified geometries of the implant(s)superimposed over an exemplary proximal tibia portion of a tibia.

FIG. 12A illustrates a proximal side view of a lateral unicondylar tibiaimplant having at least three lateral curves and an angled posterioroffset according to certain embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 12B illustrates the lateral unicondylar tibia implant(s) depictedin FIG. 12A and certain identified geometries of the implant(s)superimposed over an exemplary proximal tibia portion of a tibia.

FIG. 13A illustrates a proximal side view of a lateral unicondylar tibiaimplant having at least two lateral curves according to certainembodiments of the present application.

FIG. 13B illustrates the lateral unicondylar tibia implant(s) depictedin FIG. 13A and certain identified geometries of the implant(s)superimposed over an exemplary proximal tibia portion of a tibia.

FIG. 14A illustrates a proximal side view of a lateral unicondylar tibiaimplant having at least three lateral curves according to certainembodiments of the present application.

FIG. 14B illustrates the lateral unicondylar tibia implant(s) depictedin FIG. 14A and certain identified geometries of the implant(s)superimposed over an exemplary proximal tibia portion of a tibia.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, certainembodiments. It should be understood, however, that the presentinvention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shownin the attached drawings. Further, like numbers in the respectivefigures indicate like or comparable parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used in the foregoing description for convenienceand is not intended to be limiting. Words such as “upper,” “lower,”“top,” “bottom,” “first,” and “second” designate directions in thedrawings to which reference is made. This terminology includes the wordsspecifically noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similarimport. Additionally, the words “a” and “one” are defined as includingone or more of the referenced item unless specifically noted. The phrase“at least one of” followed by a list of two or more items, such as “A, Bor C,” means any individual one of A, B or C, as well as any combinationthereof. As used herein, the terms “about” and “substantially” may beapplied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissiblyvary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it isrelated.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary implant 100that can be utilized for unicompartmental knee replacement. According tocertain embodiments, the exemplary implant 100 can include a femoralcomponent 102 and a tibial component 104. An upper portion of the tibialcomponent 104 has tibial articular surface 108 which contacts orarticulates against a femoral articular surface 106 of the femoralcomponent 102 in a manner that at least assists in providing afunctioning knee joint. According to certain embodiments, the tibialcomponent 104 can include a tibial baseplate 110 and an insert 112, theinsert 112 being configured to provide the tibial articular surface 106.Further, according to certain embodiments, the tibial baseplate 110 andinsert 112 may be separate components that are constructed fromdifferent material. Further, the insert 112 can include one or moretrial inserts that is/are used at least temporarily during theimplantation procedure or surgery, as well as inserts that are selectedfor final implantation with the implant 100.

Referencing FIG. 2, the femoral component 102 can be configured to beoperably mounted or otherwise secured to the distal femur portion 116 ofthe femur 114, while the tibial component 104 can be configured to beoperably mounted or otherwise secured to the proximal tibia portion 120of the tibia 118. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3, according tocertain embodiments, the tibial component 104 can be secured in aresected tibial plateau 122 of a tibia 118 that can be provided byshaping, and/or otherwise by removal of a portion of, the tibia 118 suchas, for example, removing a portion of, or shaping, the right or leftlateral or medial portions or compartments of the proximal tibia portion120 of the tibia 118. Further, the tibial baseplate 110 can include oneor fixation members 124 that can at least assist in the tibial baseplate110 being secured to the tibia. A variety of types of fixation members124, or combinations of fixation members 124, can be utilized forsecuring the tibial baseplate 110 to the tibia portion 120. For example,the fixation member(s) 124 can include, or be configured for use with,mechanical fasteners, and/or have other characteristics that facilitatethe tibial baseplate 110 being secured via use of an adhesive such as,for example, cement. Such fixation members 124 include, but are notlimited to, one or more screws, pegs, posts, fins, rails, cavities,and/or a combination thereof. At least certain types of fixation members124 can be configured to provide features or a geometry to the tibiabaseplate 110 that can, at least when compared to relatively flatsurfaces, assist in enhancing implant to cement, and/or cement to bone,fixation.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate distal and front side views, respectively, ofan exemplary tibial baseplate 110. The tibial baseplate 110 includes afirst edge 126 and a second edge 128 at opposing sides of the tibialbaseplate 110, the first edge 126 being configured for placement at alocation that is closer to a center or mid-point location of tibia thanthe second edge 128, and moreover, the second edge 128 being in closerproximity to the outer side region of the tibia than the first edge 126.Further, medial and lateral edges of the baseplate 110, which, dependingon orientation, can generally be provided by first and second edges 126,128 of the baseplate 110, can be generally separated from each other bya medial-lateral (ML) width, as shown, as shown in FIG. 4. The tibialbaseplate 110 also includes an anterior side 132 and a posterior side130 at opposing sides of the tibial baseplate 110, and which areseparated by an anterior-posterior (AP) length, which is also shown inFIG. 4. The distal side 134 of the tibial baseplate 110 can beconfigured to be positioned in a direction or orientation in which thedistal side 134 faces towards an adjacent portion of the tibia 118 suchas, for example, a resected portion of the lateral or medialcompartments of the proximal tibia portion 120. Further, the distal side134 of the tibial baseplate 110 may include features that can assist inthe tibial baseplate 110 being secured to the tibia 118 such as, forexample, fixation members 124 including, for example, pegs 136 a,cavities 136 b, a fin 136 c, and/or combinations thereof, among othertypes of fixed members 124.

A proximal side 138 of the tibial baseplate 110 can be configured toabut and/or receive insertion of the insert 112. Further, according tocertain embodiments, the proximal side 138 of the tibial baseplate 110can include one or more features that can at least assist in retainingan engagement with between the tibial baseplate 110 and the insert 112including, for example, a lip 140 about at least a portion of the tibialbaseplate 110, among other features.

FIG. 6A illustrates a proximal side view of a medial unicondylar tibiaimplant device 200 having at least two curves according to certainembodiments of the present application. Further, FIG. 6B illustrates themedial unicondylar tibia implant device 200 and certain identifiedgeometries of the implant device 200 depicted in FIG. 6A superimposedover an exemplary proximal tibia portion of a tibia 118. While FIGS. 6Aand 6B illustrate a medial unicondylar tibia implant device 200 for amedial compartment 202 of a tibia 118 for the left knee, similarfeatures also may be utilized for a medial compartment of a tibia of theright knee, wherein the location or orientation of the depicted medialunicondylar tibia implant device 200 may be adjusted to accommodate thechange in hand from left to right.

According to certain embodiments, the proximal side 204 of the tibiaimplant device 200 depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, which can be the side ofthe tibia implant device 200 facing away from the tibia portion 120, canhave a geometry that is configured to provide either an, articulatingsurface such as, for example, cartilage and meniscal substituting, or toreceive or be coupled to a secondary device that can provide such anarticulating feature and/or articulating surface. For example, accordingto certain embodiments, the portion of the tibia implant device 200shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, as well as the implant devices 300-1000discussed below with respect to FIGS. 7A-14B, can generally correspondto a profile or shape of at least certain aspects of at least theproximal side 204 of one or both of a tibial baseplate and/or an insertof a tibial component of a knee implant. Further, the configurations andfeatures of the implant devices 200-1000 discussed herein providebenefits in improvements in at least the anatomical size, shape, and/orconfiguration provided by the implant device 200-1000 between the bonefacing side, or first edge of the implant device 200-1000 and the awayfrom bone facing edge, such as the second edge, of the implant device200-1000.

The implant device 200 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B includes an outer edge206 that includes a first edge 208, 208′ and a second edge 210 atopposing sides of the implant device 200. While the first edge 208, 208′is depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B as being a relatively straightedge, thefirst edge 208, 208′ can have a variety of other configurations such as,for example, configurations that generally follow or otherwise provideclearance from the soft tissue boundaries of the tibial spine. Forexample, according to certain embodiments, the first edge 208, 208′ canbe straight, curved, and/or scalloped, as well as various combinationsthereof; among other shapes and configurations. As discussed below inmore detail, according to certain embodiments, the first edge 208 of theimplant device 200 may be generally parallel to the tibia spine or APtibia axis 212 of the tibia 118, while, according to other embodiments,the first edge 208′ of the implant device 200 can be non-parallel to thetibia spine or AP tibia axis 212. Further, the first edge 208, 208′ ofthe implant device 200 can be configured for placement at a locationthat is closer to a center or mid-point location of tibia 118 than thesecond edge 210, and thus the second edge 210 is configuration forpositioning at a location in closer proximity than the first edge 208,208′ to the outer side of the tibia 118. In the depicted embodiment, thefirst edge 208, 208′ and second edge 210 can be configured to providethe implant device 200 with a ML width in the ML direction (as indicatedby the “ML” direction in FIG. 6A) that, for purposes of discussion, isidentified in FIG. 6A as “X”. The ML width can, according to certainembodiments, represent the maximum ML width of the implant device 200 inthe ML direction.

Additionally, the outer edge 206 of the implant device 200 also caninclude an anterior edge 214 and a posterior edge 215. According tocertain embodiments, the anterior and posterior edges 214, 215 generallyextend between the first and second edges 208, 208′, 210 along opposingsides of the outer edge 206 of the implant device 200. According to theillustrated embodiment, the anterior edge 214 and a posterior edge 216can be separated from each other by an AP width in the AP direction (asindicated by the “AP” direction in FIG. 6A). The AP width can, accordingto certain embodiments, correspond to the maximum width of the implantdevice 200 in the AP direction. According to the illustrated embodiment,the aspect ratio of the AP width to the ML width of the implant device200 can be about 1.7:1, among other ratios, as illustrated, for example,generally by the “AP” width depicted in FIG. 6A.

According to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the medialunicondylar tibia implant device 200 has at least two medial curves,which, in the illustrated example, includes an anterior curve 216 and aposterior curve 218. The anterior and posterior curves 216, 218 cangenerally extend along at least the second edge 210 of the implantdevice 200. The second edge 210 also may include a transition surface220 that joins the anterior and posterior curves 216, 218 along thesecond edge 210. The transition surface 220 can have a variety ofdifferent shapes or configurations including, for example, being arelatively flat, straight, or angled surface, among other shapes.Further, the transition surface 220 can have a variety of lengthsbetween the anterior and posterior curves 216, 218. For example,according to the illustrated embodiment, the transition surface 220 canbe a generally straight edge that extends between the anterior andposterior curves 216, 218 at a length in the AP direction (as generallyindicated by “L₁” in FIG. 6A), the ratio of the length of the transitionsurface 220 to the ML width of the implant device 200 being, forexample, about 0.1:1.

Further, according to certain embodiments, the posterior curve 218 alsocan extend along at least a portion of the posterior edge 215 of theimplant device 200. Further, according to certain embodiments, theposterior curve 218 also can extend along at least a portion of theposterior edge 215. The extent that the posterior curve 218 extendsalong the posterior edge 215 can vary. For example, according to certainembodiments, the posterior edge 215 can include a transition surfacehaving a shape or orientation that is different than the curvature ofthe posterior curve 218, and which adjoins the portion of the posteriorcurve 218 that extends along the posterior edge 215 to the first edge208, 208′. Alternatively, the according to certain embodiments, theposterior curve 218 can extend along the posterior edge 215 untilgenerally reaching the first edge 208, 208′.

Similar to the posterior edge 215, the anterior curve 216 also canextend along at least a portion of the anterior edge 214 of the implantdevice 200. Further, according to certain embodiments, the anteriorcurve 216 also can extend along at least a portion of the anterior edge214. The extent that the anterior curve 216 extends along the anterioredge 214 can vary. For example, according to certain embodiments, theanterior edge 214 can include a transition surface having a shape ororientation that is different than the curvature of the anterior curve216, and which adjoins the portion of the anterior curve 216 thatextends along the anterior edge 214 to the first edge 208, 208′.Alternatively, according to certain embodiments, the anterior curve 216can extend along the anterior edge 214 until generally reaching thefirst edge 208, 208′.

The anterior and posterior curves 216, 218 can have a variety of sizes.Further, the radius of curvature of the anterior and posterior curves216, 218 can be similar or dissimilar. For example, according to certainembodiments, the anterior curve 216 can have radius (as indicated by theradius of curvature “R₁” in FIG. 6A) that is approximately 75 to 100percent of the ML dimension, and thus provides a ratio of radius ofcurvature for the anterior curve 216 to the ML width of from about0.75:1 to about 1:1, among other ratios. Moreover, according to certainembodiments, the radius of curvature for the anterior curve 216 can be70 to 90 percent, and more specifically 90 percent, the ML width.Additionally, for example, the posterior curve 218 can have radius (asindicated in FIG. 6A by “R₂”) that is approximately 70 to 90 percent ofthe ML dimension, and thus provides a ratio of radius of curvature forthe posterior curve 218 to the ML width of from about 0.7:1 to about0.9:1, and more specifically, about 0.8:1 the ML width, among otherratios.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, according to certain embodiments, the firstedge 208 of the implant device 200 can extend in a direction that isgenerally parallel to the tibia spine or AP tibia axis 212 (FIG. 6B).Conversely, according to other embodiments, the first edge 208 of theimplant device 200 is not parallel to the tibia spine or AP tibia axis212. For example, the first edge 208′ of the implant device 200 can beoffset (as indicated by offset angle “OA” in FIG. 6A) by about 1 degreeto about 20 degree, and more specifically, about 3 degrees to about 8degrees, among other degrees of offset, relative to the first edge 208of an implant device 200 that is generally parallel to the tibia spineor AP tibia axis 212. Further, FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an orientationof the first edge 208′ that can be angled anterior to posterior of theAP tibia axis 212 and generally follow the medial edge of the anteriorcruciate ligament 224 (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament 226 (PCL)relative to a location at which the ACL 224 and PCL 226 would beattached to the tibia 118. Additionally, according to such aconfiguration in which the first edge 208′ is non-parallel, or angularlyoffset relative, to the tibia spine or AP tibia axis 212, the aspectratio of the AP width to the ML width of the implant device 200 can beless than about 1.45:1, among other ratios.

Additionally, according to certain embodiments the ratio of the radiusof curvature of the anterior curve 216 to the ML width can beapproximately 0.75:1 to approximately 1:1, the ratio of the radius ofcurvature of the posterior curve 218 to the ML width can beapproximately 0.7:1 to approximately 0.9:1, and the aspect ratio of theAP width to the ML width can be approximately 1.6:1 to approximately1.9:1, among other ratios. Additionally, according to certainembodiments, the anterior and posterior edges 214, 215 can each includea curve transition surface 222 a, 222 b in which the anterior andposterior curves 216, 218, respectively, terminate parallel to the APmidline 228 of the tibia 118 at a location that is posterior of the APmidline 228 and extend along a length of, for example, up to 0.25percent of the ML width. The outer edge 206 also can include othertransition surfaces or curves including, for example, edge blends atlocations along the outer edge 206 where otherwise non-tangent edges mayoccur.

FIG. 7A illustrates a proximal side view of a medial unicondylar tibiaimplant device 300 having at least three medial curves 302 according tocertain embodiments of the present application. Further, FIG. 7Billustrates the medial unicondylar tibia implant device 300 and certainidentified geometries of the implant devices 300 depicted in FIG. 7Asuperimposed over an exemplary proximal tibia portion of a tibia 118.While FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a medial unicondylar tibia implantdevices 300 for a medial compartment 202 of a tibia 118 for the leftknee, similar features also may be utilized for a medial compartment ofa tibia for the right knee, wherein the location or orientation of thedepicted medial unicondylar tibia implant device 300 may be adjusted toaccommodate the change in hand from left to right.

According to certain embodiments, the proximal side 304 of the tibiaimplant device 300 depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B can be face away from thetibia portion 120. Further, the proximal side 304 of the tibia implantdevice 300 can have a geometry that is configured to provide either anarticulating surface such as, for example, cartilage and meniscalsubstituting, or to receive or be coupled to a secondary device that canprovide such an articulating feature and/or articulating surface. Forexample, according to certain embodiments, the portion of the tibiaimplant device 300 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, can generally correspond toa profile or shape of at least certain aspects of the proximal side 304of one or both of a tibial baseplate and/or an insert of a tibialcomponent of a knee implant. Further, according to certain embodiments,the implant 300 can have an edge that follows the medial edge of the ACL224 and PCL 226, as discussed below.

The implant device 300 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B includes an outer edge306 having a first edge 308, 308′ and a second edge 310 at opposingsides of the implant device 300. While the first edge 308, 308′ isdepicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B as being a relatively straight edge, thefirst edge 308, 308′ can have a variety of other configurations such as,for example, configurations that generally follow or otherwise provideclearance from the soft tissue boundaries of the tibial spine. Forexample, according to certain embodiments, the first edge 308, 308′ canbe straight, curved, and/or scalloped, as well as various combinationsthereof, among other shapes and configurations. Similar to the firstedges 208, 208′ of the implant device 200 discussed above with respectto FIGS. 6A and 6B, according to certain embodiments, the implant device300 depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B can be configured for the first edge308, 308′ to be generally parallel or non-parallel to the tibia spine orAP tibia axis 212 of the tibia 118. Alternatively, according to certainembodiments, the first edge 308′ of the implant device 300 depicted inFIGS. 7A and 7B can be angled anterior to posterior of the AP tibia axis212 in a manner similar to that discussed above with respect to anembodiment of the implant device 200 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Further,in the depicted embodiment, the first edge 308, 308′ and second edge 310can be configured to provide the implant device 300 with a ML width inthe ML direction (as indicated by the “ML” direction in FIG. 7A) that,for purposes of discussion, is identified in FIG. 7A as “X”. The MLwidth can, according to certain embodiments, represent the maximum MLwidth of the implant device 300 in the ML direction.

Additionally, the outer edge 306 of the implant device 300 also caninclude an anterior edge 312 and a posterior edge 314. According tocertain embodiments, the anterior and posterior edges 312, 314 generallyextend between the first and second sides 308, 308′, 310 along opposingsides of the outer edge 306 of the implant device 300. According to theillustrated embodiment, the anterior edge 312 and a posterior edge 314can be separated from each other by an AP width in the AP direction (asindicated by the “AP” direction in FIG. 7A). The AP width can, accordingto certain embodiments, correspond to the maximum width of the implantdevice 300 in the AP direction. According to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, the aspect ratio of the AP width to the ML width of theimplant device 300 can be about 1.6:1 to about 1.9:1, among otherratios.

According to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the medialunicondylar tibia implant device 300 has at least three medial curves302, which, in the illustrated embodiment, includes an anterior curve316, a medial curve 318, and a posterior curve 320. The anterior curve316 can begin along at least a portion of the anterior edge 312 andextend along the second edge 310 until being at a linear distance fromthe first edge 308, 308′ that is approximately 60 percent toapproximately 80 percent the ML width. Further, according to certainembodiments, the radius of curvature of the anterior curve 316 isapproximately 75 percent to approximately 100 percent the ML width. Themedial curve 318 is positioned between the anterior and posterior curves316, 320, and has a radius of curvature that is approximately 90 toapproximately 110 percent of the ML width. Additionally, the tangency ofthe medial curve 318 to the AP tibia axis 212 of the tibia 118 isposterior the AP midline 228, and up to about 25 percent of the MLdimension. The posterior curve 320 has a curvature radius that can beapproximately 70 percent to approximately 90 percent of the ML width ofthe implant device 300. Further, the posterior curve 320 can extend froma linear distance of about 0 percent to about 25 percent of the ML widthfrom the first edge 308, 308′ along the posterior edge 314 to a lineardistance of about 75 percent to less than 100 percent of the ML widthfrom the first edge 308, 308′. The outer edge 306 also can include othertransition surfaces or curves including, for example, edge blends atlocations along the outer edge 306 where non-tangent edges may otherwiseoccur.

FIG. 8A illustrates a proximal side view of an embodiment of a lateralunicondylar tibia implant device 400 having at least one lateral curve402 according to certain embodiments of the present application.Further, FIG. 8B illustrates the lateral unicondylar tibia implantdevice 400 depicted in FIG. 8A superimposed over an exemplary proximaltibia portion of a tibia 118. While FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a lateralunicondylar tibia implant device 400 for a lateral compartment 203 of atibia 118 for the left knee, similar features also may be utilized for alateral compartment of a tibia for the right knee, wherein the locationor orientation of the depicted lateral unicondylar tibia implant device400 can be adjusted to accommodate the change in hand from left toright.

The implant device 400 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B includes an outer edge404 having a first edge 406 and a second edge 408 at opposing sides ofthe implant device 400. While the first edge 406 is depicted in FIGS. 8Aand 8B as being a relatively straight edge, the first edge 406 can havea variety of other configurations such as, for example, configurationsthat generally follow or otherwise provide clearance from the softtissue boundaries of the tibial spine. For example, according to certainembodiments, the first edge 406 can be straight, curved, and/orscalloped, as well as various combinations thereof, among other shapesand configurations. Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, the first edge 406 iscloser to the center of the tibia 118 than the second edge 408, and thusthe first edge 406 can be considered bone facing. According to certainembodiments, the first edge 406 can be configured to be generallyparallel to the tibia spine or AP tibia axis 212 of the tibia 118.However, alternatively, according to certain embodiments, the first edgeof the implant device 400 can be angled anterior to posterior relativeto the AP tibia axis 212 in a manner that may facilitate the first edge406 following a lateral edge of the ACL 224 and PCL 226. Further, aswith other portions of the outer edge 404 and other implant devicesdiscussed herein, transition surfaces, including curves, edge blends,and/or straight lines, as well as a combination thereof, also can bepresent where non-tangent edges may otherwise occur.

Additionally, in the depicted embodiment, the first edge 406 and thesecond edge 408 may be configured to provide the implant device 400 witha ML width in the ML direction (as indicated by the “ML” direction inFIG. 8A) that, for purposes of discussion, is identified in FIG. 8A as alength of “X”. The ML width can, according to certain embodiments,represent the maximum ML width of the implant device 400 in the MLdirection.

The outer edge 404 of the implant device 400 also can include ananterior edge 410 and a posterior edge 412. According to certainembodiments, the anterior and posterior edges 410, 412 generally extendbetween the first and second edges 406, 408 along opposing sides of theouter edge 404 of the implant device 400. According to the illustratedembodiment, the anterior edge 410 and the posterior edge 412 can beseparated from each other by an AP width in the AP direction (asindicated by the “AP” direction in FIG. 8A). The AP width can, accordingto certain embodiments, correspond to the maximum width of the implantdevice 400 in the AP direction. According to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, the aspect ratio of the AP width to the ML width of theimplant device 400, as indicated by “AP:MP” in FIG. 8A, can be about1.1:1 to about 1.5:1, and more specifically, about 1.15:1 to 1.5:1,among other ratios. According to other embodiments, the aspect ratio ofthe AP width to the ML width of the implant device 400 can be from about1.1:1 to about 1.4:1.

The lateral curve 402 of the implant can have a curvature radius ofabout 55 percent to about 70 percent of the ML width. Further, accordingto certain embodiments, the lateral curve 402 may extend along theanterior and posterior edges 410, 412 at a linear distance of about 0percent to about 10 percent of the ML width from the first edge 406 andcontinue along the second edge 408. According to certain embodiments,one or both of the anterior and posterior edges 410, 412 can eachinclude transition surfaces 414 that extend between the first edge 406and the beginning of the curves 410, 412. Thus, according to certainembodiments, the transition surfaces 414, if any, can have a lengthgreater than 0 percent to about 10 percent of the ML width. Further, thetangency of the lateral curve 402 to the first edge 406 can be withinabout 10 percent anterior-posterior of the midline of the second edge408.

FIG. 9A illustrates a proximal side view of an embodiment of a lateralunicondylar tibia implant device 500 having at least three lateralcurves 502, which, in the illustrated embodiment, includes a posteriorcurve 504, a lateral curve 506, and an anterior curve 508. Further, FIG.9B illustrates the lateral unicondylar tibia implant device 500 depictedin FIG. 9A superimposed over an exemplary proximal tibia portion of atibia 118. While FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a lateral unicondylar tibiaimplant device 500 for a lateral compartment 203 of tibia 118 for theleft knee, similar features also may be utilized for a lateralcompartment of a tibia for the right knee, wherein the location ororientation of the depicted lateral unicondylar tibia implant device 500can be adjusted to accommodate the change in hand from left to right.

The implant device 500 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B includes an outer edge510 having a first edge 512 and a second edge 514 at opposing sides ofthe implant device 500. While the first edge 512 is depicted in FIGS. 9Aand 9B as being a relatively straight edge, the first edge 512 can havea variety of other configurations such as, for example, configurationsthat generally follow or otherwise provide clearance from the softtissue boundaries of the tibial spine. For example, according to certainembodiments, the first edge 512 can be straight, curved, and/orscalloped, as well as various combinations thereof, among other shapesand configurations. Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, the first edge 512 iscloser to the center of the tibia 118 than the second edge 514, and thusthe first edge 512 can be considered bone facing. According to certainembodiments, the first edge 512 can be configured to be generallyparallel to the tibia spine or AP tibia axis 212 of the tibia 118.However, alternatively, according to certain embodiments, the first edge512 of the implant device 500 can be angled anterior to posteriorrelative to the AP tibia axis 212, in a manner that may facilitate thefirst edge 512 following a lateral edge of the ACL 224 and PCL 226.Further, as with other portions of the outer edge 510 and other implantsdiscussed herein, transition surfaces, including curves, edge blends,and/or straight lines, as well as a combination thereof, also can bepresent where otherwise non-tangent edges may occur.

Additionally, in the depicted embodiment, the first edge 512 and secondedge 514 can be configured to provide the implant device 500 with a MLwidth in the ML direction (as indicated by the “ML” direction in FIG.9A) that, for purposes of discussion, is identified in FIG. 9A as alength of “X”. The ML width can, according to certain embodiments,represent the maximum ML width of the implant device 500 in the MLdirection.

The outer edge 510 of the implant device 500 also can include ananterior edge 516 and a posterior edge 518. According to certainembodiments, the anterior and posterior edges 516, 518 generally extendbetween the first and second edges 512, 514 along opposing sides of theouter edge 510 of the implant device 500. According to the illustratedembodiment, the anterior edge 516 and the posterior edge 518 can beseparated from each other by an AP width in the AP direction. (asindicated by the “AP” direction in FIG. 9A). The AP width can, accordingto certain embodiments, correspond to the maximum width of the implantdevice 500 in the AP direction. According to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B, the aspect ratio of the AP width to the ML width (asindicated by “AP:MP” in FIG. 9A) of the implant device 500 can be about1.1:1 to about 1.5:1, and more specifically, about 1.1:1 to about 1.4:1,among other ratios.

The posterior curve 504 may extend along at least a portion of theposterior edge 518. For example, according to certain embodiments, theposterior curve 504 can begin at the first edge 512, or may begin withina linear distance of about 20 percent of the ML width from the firstedge 512. Additionally, according to certain embodiments, the posteriorcurve 504 can continue from the posterior edge 518 and extend along atleast a portion of the second edge 514. Further, according to certainembodiments, the posterior curve 504 can have a radius of curvature thatis smaller than the radii of curvature of each of the outer and anteriorcurves 506, 508. For example, according to certain embodiments, theposterior curve 504 can have a radius of curvature that is about 75percent to 100 percent the ML width.

The lateral curve 506 of the implant device 500 can generally bepositioned between the anterior curve 508 and the posterior curve 504and have a radius of curvature of about 55 percent to about 70 percentof the ML width. Thus, the radius of curvature of the lateral curve 506can be greater than that of the posterior curve 504, as discussed above,but less than that of the anterior curve 508, as discussed below.Additionally, transition surfaces, if any, can be included to provide atransition between the lateral curve 506 and the posterior curve 504and/or the lateral curve 506 and the anterior curve 508. According tocertain embodiments, the lateral curve 506 can extend from a junctionwith the posterior curve 504 and extend along the second edge andthrough a tangency with the second edge 514. Further, the tangency ofthe lateral curve 506 with the midline of the second edge 514 can bewithin 0 percent to about 20 percent of the ML width posterior of themidline. Additionally, the lateral curve 506 can continue extendingalong at least the second edge 514 of the implant device 500 and end ata junction with the anterior curve 508, which can occur along the secondedge 514 and/or the anterior edge 516. According to the illustratedembodiment, the junction of the outer and anterior curves 506, 508 is ata location that is, in a linear direction, about 30 percent to about 75percent of the ML width away from the first edge 512.

The anterior curve 508 may extend along at least a portion of theanterior edge 516. For example, according to certain embodiments, theanterior curve 508 can begin at the first edge 512, or may begin withina linear distance of about 20 percent of the ML width from the firstedge 512. Additionally, according to certain embodiments, the anteriorcurve 508 can continue from the anterior edge 516 and extend along atleast a portion of the second edge 514. Further, according to certainembodiments, the anterior curve 508 can have a radius of curvature thatis greater than the radii of curvature of each of the outer andposterior curves 506, 504. For example, according to certainembodiments, the anterior curve 508 can have an infinite radius ofcurvature such that, rather than being curved, the anterior curve 508and/or the anterior edge 516 are generally straight. Further, accordingto certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the implant device500 can generally have a “tear drop” shape.

FIG. 10A illustrates a proximal side view of an embodiment of a lateralunicondylar tibia implant device 600 having up to four lateral curves602, which, in the illustrated embodiment, includes a posterior curve604, one or more lateral curves 606, and an anterior curve 608. Further,FIG. 10B illustrates the lateral unicondylar tibia implant device 600depicted in FIG. 10A superimposed over an exemplary proximal tibiaportion of a tibia 118. While FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a lateralunicondylar tibia implant device 600 for a lateral compartment 203 of atibia 118 for the left knee, similar features also may be utilized for alateral compartment of a tibia for the right knee, wherein the locationor orientation of the depicted lateral unicondylar tibia implant device600 can be adjusted to accommodate the change in hand from left toright.

The implant device 600 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B includes an outer edge610 having a first edge 614, 614′ and a second edge 616 at opposingsides of the implant device 600. While the first edge 614, 614′ isdepicted in FIGS. 10A and 10B as being a relatively straight edge, thefirst edge 614, 614′ can have a variety of other configurations such as,for example, configurations that generally follow or otherwise provideclearance from the soft tissue boundaries of the tibial spine. Forexample, according to certain embodiments, the first edge 614, 614′ canbe straight, curved, and/or scalloped, as well as various combinationsthereof, among other shapes and configurations. Further, as shown inFIG. 10A, the first edge 614, 614′ is closer to the center of the tibia118 than the second edge 616, and thus the first edge 614, 614′ can beconsidered bone facing. According to certain embodiments, the first edge614 can be configured to be generally parallel to the tibia spine or APtibia axis 212 of the tibia 118. However, alternatively, according tocertain embodiments, the first edge 614′ of the implant device 600 canbe angled anterior to posterior relative to the AP tibia axis 212, in amanner that may facilitate the first edge 614′ following a lateral edgeof the ACL 224 and PCL 226. Further, as with other portions of the outeredge 610 and other implants discussed herein, transition surfaces,including curves, edge blends, and/or straight lines, as well ascombinations thereof, also can be present where otherwise non-tangentedges may occur.

In the depicted embodiment, the first edge 614, 614′ and the second edge616 can be configured to provide the implant device 600 with a ML widthin the ML direction (as indicated by the “ML” direction in FIG. 10A)that, for purposes of discussion, is identified in FIG. 10A as “X”. TheML width can, according to certain embodiments, represent the maximum MLwidth of the implant device 600 generally in the ML direction. Forexample, according to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10A, the ML widthmay be the maximum width between the first and second edges 614, 614′,616 along a line that, in the illustrated embodiment, is generallyperpendicular to the first edge 614, 614′.

The outer edge 610 of the implant device 600 also can include ananterior edge 618 and a posterior edge 620. According to certainembodiments, the anterior and posterior edges 618, 620 generally extendbetween the first and second edges 614, 614′, 616 along opposing sidesof the outer edge 610 of the implant device 600. According to theillustrated embodiment, the anterior edge 618 and the posterior edge 620can be separated from each other by an AP width in the AP direction (asindicated by the “AP” direction in FIG. 10A). The AP width can,according to certain embodiments, correspond to the maximum width of theimplant device 600 in the AP direction. For example, according to theembodiment depicted in FIG. 10A, the AP width may be the width betweenthe anterior and posterior edges 618, 620 along a line that is generallyperpendicular to the measurement used for the ML width and/or may begenerally parallel to the illustrated first edge 614, 614′. According tothe embodiments shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the aspect ratio of the APwidth to the ML width (as indicated by “AP:MP” in FIG. 10A) of theimplant device 600 can be about 1.1:1 to about 1.5:1, and morespecifically, about 1.1:1 to about 1.4:1, among other ranges.

The posterior curve 604 may begin, or stop, along at least a portion ofthe posterior edge 620. For example, according to certain embodiments,the posterior curve 604 can begin at a linear distance of about 10percent to about 60 percent of the ML width from the first edge 614,614′. As shown in FIG. 10A, according to certain embodiments, theposterior curve 604 can be coupled to the first edge 614, 614′ by atransition surface 622 such as, for example, a straight or curved line.Further, the posterior curve 604 can, at generally the most posteriorportion of the second edge 616, be joined to one of the one or morelateral curves 606. According to certain embodiments, such a junction ofthe posterior curve to a lateral curve 606 can include a transitionsurface that joins the posterior and the lateral curves 604, 606. Such atransitional surface can have a variety of different shapes andconfigurations such as, for example, being a relatively straight surfaceor have a radius of curvature that is greater than or less than theradius of curvature of the lateral curve 606 to which the transitionsurface is joined.

The one or more lateral curves 606 can begin at the junction with theposterior curve 604, extend through the tangency with the second edge616 of the implant device 600, and end at a junction with the anteriorcurve 608. The tangency of the one or more lateral curves 606 with themidline of the second edge 616 is within 0 percent to about 20 percentof the ML width posterior of the midline. Further, similar to thejunction between the posterior curve 604, the junction between the oneor more lateral curves 606 and the anterior curve 608 can include atransition surface that joins the anterior and lateral curves 608, 606.Such a transitional surface can have a variety of different shapes andconfigurations such as, for example, being a relatively straight surfaceor have a radius of curvature that is greater than or less than theradius of curvature of the lateral curve 606 to which the transitionsurface is joined.

According to certain embodiments, the lateral curve 606 can comprise asingle curve having a radius of curvature that is greater than the radiiof curvature of the anterior and posterior curves 608, 604.Alternatively, according to other embodiments, the lateral curve 606 cancomprise a first lateral curve 606 and a second lateral curve 606, thefirst lateral curve 606 generally extending between the posterior curve604 and the second lateral curve 606, including any associatedtransition surfaces. Similarly, the second lateral curve 606 can extendbetween the first lateral curve 606 and the anterior curve 608,including any associated transition surfaces. Further, according tocertain embodiments, the first and second lateral curves 606 a, 606 bcan each have radii of curvature that are greater than the radii ofcurvature of the anterior and posterior curves 608, 604. Additionally,the radii of curvature for the first and second lateral curves 606 a,606 b can be different such as, for example, the first lateral curve 606having a radius of curvature that is greater than the radius ofcurvature of the second lateral curve 606.

The anterior curve 608 can begin, or stop, at or about the anterior edge618 at a linear distance of about 10 percent to about 60 percent of theML width from the first edge 614, 614′. As shown in FIG. 10A, accordingto certain embodiments, the anterior curve 608 can be coupled to thefirst edge 614, 614′ by a transition surface 622 such as, for example, astraight or curved line.

FIG. 11A illustrates a proximal side view of an embodiment of a lateralunicondylar tibia implant device 700 having at least three lateralcurves 702 and an angled posterior offset. The three lateral curves 702can include a posterior curve 704, a lateral curve 706, and an anteriorcurve 708. Further, FIG. 11B illustrates the lateral unicondylar tibiaimplant device 700 depicted in FIG. 11A superimposed over an exemplaryproximal tibia portion of a tibia 118. While FIGS. 11A and 11Billustrate a lateral unicondylar tibia implant device 700 for a lateralcompartment 203 of a tibia 118 for the left knee, similar features alsomay be utilized for a lateral compartment of a tibia for the right knee,wherein the location or orientation of the depicted lateral unicondylartibia implant device 700 can be adjusted to accommodate the change inhand from left to right.

The implant device 700 shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B includes an outer edge710 having a first edge 712, 712′ and a second edge 714 at opposingsides of the implant device 700. While the first edge 712, 712′ isdepicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B as being a relatively straight edge, thefirst edge 712, 712′ can have a variety of other configurations such as,for example, configurations that generally follow or otherwise provideclearance from the soft tissue boundaries of the tibial spine. Forexample, according to certain embodiments, the first edge 712, 712′ canbe straight, curved, and/or scalloped, as well as various combinationsthereof, among other shapes and configurations. Further, as shown inFIG. 11A, the first edge 712, 712′ is closer to the center of the tibia118 than the second edge 714, and thus the first edge 712, 712′ can beconsidered bone facing. According to certain embodiments, the first edge712 can be configured to be generally parallel to the tibia spine or APtibia axis 212 of the tibia 118. However, alternatively, according tocertain embodiments, the first edge 712′ of the implant device 700 canbe angled anterior to posterior relative to the AP tibia axis 212, in amanner that may facilitate the first edge 712 following a lateral edgeof the ACL 224 and PCL 226. Further, as with other portions of the outeredge 710 and other implants discussed herein, transition surfaces,including curves, edge blends, and/or straight lines, as well as acombination thereof, also can be present where otherwise non-tangentedges may occur.

Additionally, in the depicted embodiment, the first edge 712, 712′ andsecond edge 714 can be configured to provide the implant device 700 witha ML width in the ML direction (as indicated by the “ML” direction inFIG. 11A) that, for purposes of discussion, is identified in FIG. 11A as“X”. The ML width can, according to certain embodiments, represent themaximum ML width of the implant device 700 generally in the MLdirection. For example, according to the embodiment depicted in FIG.11A, the ML width may be the maximum width between the first and secondedges 712, 712′, 714 along a line that is generally perpendicular to thefirst edge 712, 712′.

The outer edge 710 of the implant device 700 also can include ananterior edge 716 and a posterior edge 718. According to certainembodiments, the anterior and posterior edges 716, 718 generally extendbetween the first and second edges 712, 712′, 714 along opposing sidesof the outer edge 710 of the implant device 700. According to theillustrated embodiment, the anterior edge 716 and the posterior edge 718can be separated from each other by an AP width in the AP direction (asindicated by the “AP” direction in FIG. 11A). The AP width can,according to certain embodiments, correspond to the maximum width of theimplant device 700 in the AP direction. For example, according to theembodiment depicted in FIG. 11A, the AP width may be the width betweenthe anterior and posterior edges 716, 718 along a line that is generallyperpendicular to the measurement used for the ML width and/or may begenerally parallel to the first edge 712, 712′. According to theembodiments shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the aspect ratio of the AP widthto the ML width (as indicated by “AP:MP” in FIG. 11A) of the implantdevice 700 can be about 1.1:1 to about 1.5:1, and more specifically,about 1.1:1 to about 1.4:1, among other ratios. Further, transitionsurfaces, including straight and curved surfaces and edge blends can bepresent along the outer edge 710 at least at locations where otherwisenon-tangent edges may occur.

The posterior curve 704 may begin, or stop, along at least a portion ofthe posterior edge 718. For example, according to certain embodiments,the posterior curve 704 can begin at a linear distance of about 20percent of the ML width from the first edge 712, 712′. Further, as shownin FIG. 11A, according to certain embodiments, the posterior curve 704can be coupled to the first edge 712, 712′ by a transition surface 720such as, for example, a straight or curved line. According to theillustrated embodiment, the transition surface between the posteriorcurve 704 and the first edge 712, 712′ can be angled from the first edge712, 712′ to the posterior curve 704 in a manner in which the transitionsurface 720 is joined to the posterior curve 704 at a posterior positionthan is offset from, or otherwise further in the posterior directionthan, the junction between the transition surface 720 and the mostposterior portion of the first edge 712, 712′.

The posterior curve 704 can extend along the second edge 714 to alocation that is a linear distance away from the first edge 712, 712′that is about 70 percent to about 100 percent the ML width. Further, theposterior curve can have a radius of curvature that is greater than theradius of curvature of the lateral curve 706 but smaller than the radiusof curvature of the anterior curve 708. Further, the posterior curve 704can be joined to the lateral curve 706 by one or more transitionsurfaces 720 including, for example, smaller radius blend between theposterior and lateral curves 704, 706. The tangency of the outer andposterior curves 706, 704, or lateral edge with the midline of thesecond edge 714, can be at a linear distance that is within 0 percent toabout 20 percent of the ML width posterior of the midline.

The lateral curve 606 can have a radius of curvature that is smallerthan the radii of curvature of the posterior and anterior curves 708,704, and can begin at the junction with the posterior curve 704, aspreviously discussed. Further, the lateral curve 706 can extend throughthe tangency with the second edge of the implant device 700 and extendto a junction of the anterior curve 708, which can be generally locatedat a linear distance of about 40 percent to about 100 percent the MLwidth from the first edge 712, 712′. The lateral curve 606 also can bejoined to the anterior curve 708 by one or more transition surfaces 720including, for example, a smaller radius blend between the anterior andlateral curves, 708, 706. The anterior curve 708 can begin at a lineardistance of about 20 percent of the ML width from the first edge 712,712′ and extend to the lateral curve 706. Further, the anterior curve708 can have a radius of curvature that is larger than the lateral curve706 including, for example, a radius of curvature up to, and including,an infinite radius (e.g., a straight edge). Additionally, according tocertain embodiments, a transition surface 720 can extend between thefirst edge 712, 712′ and the anterior curve 708.

FIG. 12A illustrates a proximal side view of an embodiment of a lateralunicondylar tibia implant device 800 having at least three lateralcurves 802 and an angled posterior offset. The three lateral curves 802can include a posterior curve 804, a medial lateral 806, and an anteriorcurve 808. Further, FIG. 12B illustrates the lateral unicondylar tibiaimplant device 800 depicted in FIG. 12A superimposed over an exemplaryproximal tibia portion of a tibia 118. While FIGS. 12A and 12Billustrate a lateral unicondylar tibia implant device 800 for a lateralcompartment 203 of a tibia 118 for the left knee, similar features alsomay be utilized for a lateral compartment of a tibia for the right knee,wherein the location or orientation of the depicted lateral unicondylartibia implant device 800 can be adjusted to accommodate the change inhand from left to right.

The implant device 800 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B includes an outer edge810 having a first edge 812, 812′ and a second edge 814 at opposingsides of the implant device 800. While the first edge 812, 812′ isdepicted in FIGS. 12A and 12B as being a relatively straight edge, thefirst edge 812, 812′ can have a variety of other configurations such as,for example, configurations that generally follow or otherwise provideclearance from the soft tissue boundaries of the tibial spine. Forexample, according to certain embodiments, the first edge 812, 812′ canbe straight, curved, and/or scalloped, as well as various combinationsthereof, among other shapes and configurations. Further, as shown inFIG. 12A, the first edge 812 is closer to the center of the tibia 118than the second edge 814, and thus the first edge 812 can be consideredbone facing. According to certain embodiments, the first edge 812 can beconfigured to be generally parallel to the tibia spine or AP tibia axis212 of the tibia 118. However, alternatively, according to certainembodiments, the first edge 812′ of the implant device 800 can be angledanterior to posterior relative to the AP tibia axis 212 in a manner thatmay facilitate the first edge 812′ following a lateral edge of the ACL224 and PCL 226.

Additionally, in the depicted embodiment, the first edge 812, 812′ andsecond edge 814 may be configured to provide the implant device 800 witha ML width in the ML direction (as indicated by the “ML” direction inFIG. 12A) that, for purposes of discussion, is identified in FIG. 12A as“X”. The ML width can, according, to certain embodiments, represent themaximum ML width of the implant device 800 generally in the MLdirection. For example, according to the embodiment depicted in FIG.12A, the ML width can be the maximum width between the first and secondedges 812, 812′, 814 along a line that is generally perpendicular to thefirst edge 812.

The outer edge 810 of the implant device 800 also can include ananterior edge 816 and a posterior edge 818. According to certainembodiments, the anterior and posterior edges 816, 818 generally extendbetween the first and second edges 812, 812′, 814 along opposing sidesof the outer edge 810 of the implant device 800. According to theillustrated embodiment, the anterior edge 816 and the posterior edge 818can be separated from each other by an AP width in the AP direction (asindicated by the “AP” direction in FIG. 12A). The AP width can,according to certain embodiments, correspond to the maximum width of theimplant device 800 in the AP direction. For example, according to theembodiment depicted in FIG. 12A, the AP width can be the width betweenthe anterior and posterior edges 816, 818 along a line that is generallyperpendicular to the measurement used for the ML width and/or may begenerally parallel to the first edge 812, 812′. According to theembodiments shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the aspect ratio of the AP widthto the ML width (as indicated by “AP:MP” in FIG. 12A) of the implantdevice 800 can be about 1.1:1 to about 1.5:1, and more specifically,about 1.1:1 to about 1.4:1, among other ranges. Further, transitionsurfaces, including straight and curved surfaces and edge blends can bepresent along the outer edge 810 at least at locations where non-tangentedges may otherwise occur.

The posterior curve 804 may begin, or stop, along at least a portion ofthe posterior edge 818. For example, according to certain embodiments,the posterior curve 804 can begin at a linear distance of about 20percent of the ML width from the first edge 812, 812′. Further, as shownin FIG. 12A, according to certain embodiments, the posterior curve 804can be coupled to the first edge 812, 812′ by a transition surface 820such as, for example, a straight or curved line. According to theillustrated embodiment, the transition surface between the posteriorcurve 804 and the first edge 812, 812′ can be angled from the first edge812, 812′ to the posterior curve 804 in a manner in which the transitionsurface 820 is joined to the posterior curve 804 at a posterior positionthan is offset from, or otherwise further in the posterior directionthan, the junction between the transition surface 820 and the mostposterior portion of the first edge 812, 812′.

The posterior curve 804 can extend along the second edge 814 to alocation that is a linear distance away from the first edge 812, 812′that is about 40 percent to about 60 percent the ML width. Further, theposterior curve 804 can have a radius of curvature that is smaller thanthe radii of curvature of the outer and anterior curves 806, 808.Further, the posterior curve 804 can be joined to the lateral curve 806by one or more transition surfaces 820 including, for example, smallerradius blend between the posterior and lateral curves 804, 806.

The lateral curve 806 can have a radius of curvature that is smallerthan the radius of curvature of the anterior curve 808, can begin at thejunction with the posterior curve 804, as previously discussed, and canextend through the tangency with the second edge 814 of the implantdevice 800. Further, the lateral curve 806 can extend to a junction ofthe anterior curve 808, which can be generally located at a lineardistance of about 40 percent to about 60 percent the ML width from thefirst edge 812, 812′. The lateral curve 806 also can be joined to theanterior curve 808 by one or more transition surfaces 820 including, forexample, a smaller radius blend between the anterior and lateral curves808, 806. The tangency of the lateral curve 806 with the midline of thefirst edge 812, 812′ is within 0 percent to about 20 percent of the MLwidth posterior of the midline. The anterior curve 808 can begin at alinear distance of about 20 percent of the ML width from the first edge812, 812′ and extend to the lateral curve 806. Further, the anteriorcurve 808 can have a radius of curvature that is larger than the lateralcurve 806 including, for example, a radius of curvature up to, andincluding, an infinite radius (e.g., a straight edge). Further,according to certain embodiments, a transition surface 820 can extendbetween the first edge 812, 812′ and the anterior curve 808.

FIG. 13A illustrates a proximal side view of an embodiment of a lateralunicondylar tibia implant device 900 having at least two lateral curves902. The two lateral curves 902 can include a posterior curve 904 and ananterior curve 906. Further, FIG. 13B illustrates the lateralunicondylar tibia implant device 900 depicted in FIG. 13A superimposedover an exemplary proximal tibia portion of a tibia 118. While FIGS. 13Aand 13B illustrate a lateral unicondylar tibia implant device 900 for alateral compartment 203 of a tibia 118 for the left knee, similarfeatures also can be utilized for a lateral compartment of a tibia forthe right knee, wherein the location or orientation of the depictedlateral unicondylar tibia implant device 900 can be adjusted toaccommodate the change in hand from left to right.

The implant device 900 shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B includes an outer edge908 having a first edge 910 and a second edge 912 at opposing sides ofthe implant device 900. Further, as shown in FIG. 13A, the first edge910 is closer to the center of the tibia 118 than the second edge 912,and thus the first edge 910 can be considered bone facing. According tocertain embodiments, the first edge 910 can be configured to begenerally parallel to the tibia spine or AP tibia axis 212 of the tibia118. However, alternatively, according to certain embodiments, the firstedge 910 of the implant device 900 can be angled anterior to posteriorrelative to the AP tibia axis 212, in a manner that may facilitate thefirst edge 910 following a lateral edge of the ACL 224 and PCL 226.Further, as with other portions of the outer edge 908 and other implantsdiscussed herein, transition surfaces, including curves, edge blends,and/or straight lines, as well as a combination thereof, also can bepresent where otherwise non-tangent edges may occur.

Additionally, in the depicted embodiment, the first edge 910 and thesecond edge 912 can be configured to provide the implant device 900 witha ML width in the ML direction (as indicated by the “ML” direction inFIG. 13A) that, for purposes of discussion, is identified in FIG. 13A asa length of “X”. The ML width can, according to certain embodiments,represent the maximum ML width of the implant device 900 generally inthe ML direction. For example, according to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 13A, the ML width may be the maximum width between the first andsecond edges 910, 912 along a line that is generally perpendicular tothe first edge 910.

The outer edge 908 of the implant device 900 also can include ananterior edge 914 and a posterior edge 916. According to certainembodiments, the anterior and posterior edges 914, 916 generally extendbetween the first and second edges 910, 912 along opposing sides of theouter edge 908 of the implant device 900. According to the illustratedembodiment, the anterior edge 914 and the posterior edge 916 can beseparated from each other by an AP width in the AP direction (asindicated by the “AP” direction in FIG. 13A). The AP width can,according to certain embodiments, correspond to the maximum width of theimplant device 900 in the AP direction. For example, according to theembodiment depicted in FIG. 13A, the AP width may be the width betweenthe anterior and posterior edges 914, 916 along a line that is generallyperpendicular to the measurement used for the ML width and/or may begenerally parallel to the illustrated first edge 910. According to theembodiments shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the aspect ratio of the AP widthto the ML width (as indicated by “AP:MP” in FIG. 13A) of the implantdevice 900 can be about 1.1:1 to about 1.5:1, and more specifically,about 1.1:1 to about 1.4:1, among other ranges. Further, transitionsurfaces, including straight and curved surfaces and edge blends can bepresent along the outer edge 908 at least at locations where non-tangentedges may otherwise occur.

The posterior curve 904 may begin, or stop, along at least a portion ofthe posterior edge 916. For example, according to certain embodiments,the posterior curve 904 can begin at a linear distance of about 20percent of the ML width from the first edge 910. Further, as shown inFIG. 13A, according to certain embodiments, the posterior curve 904 canbe coupled to the first edge 910 by a transition surface 918 such as,for example, a straight or curved line. According to the illustratedembodiment, the transition surface between the posterior curve 904 andthe first edge 910 can be angled from the first edge 910 to theposterior curve 904 in a manner in which the transition surface 918 isjoined to the posterior curve 904 at a posterior position than is offsetfrom, or otherwise further in the posterior direction than, the junctionbetween the transition surface 918 and the most posterior portion of thefirst edge 910.

Additionally, although the first edge 910 is depicted in FIGS. 13A and13B as being a relatively straight edge, the first edge 910 can have avariety of other configurations such as, for example, configurationsthat generally follow or otherwise provide clearance from the softtissue boundaries of the tibial spine. For example, according to certainembodiments, the first edge 910 can be straight, curved, and/orscalloped, as well as various combinations thereof, among other shapesand configurations.

The posterior curve 904 can have a radius of curvature that is smallerthan the radius of curvature of the anterior curve 906, and can extendalong the second edge 912 through the tangency with the second edge 912of the implant device 900 generally to a junction with the anteriorcurve 906. Moreover, the posterior curve 904 can extend along the secondedge 912 until the posterior curve 904 reaches a linear distance ofabout 20 percent to about 50 percent of the ML width from the first edge910. Further, the junction between the posterior and anterior curves916, 914 can include a transition surface such as, for example, a curvedtransition surface. According to certain embodiments, the transitionsurface between the posterior and anterior curves 916, 914 can have aradius of curvature that is larger than the radius of curvature of theposterior curve 904 but smaller than the radius of curvature of theanterior curve 906. Further, the tangency of the lateral curve 901 withthe midline of the lateral edge is within about 0 percent to about 20percent of the ML width posterior of the midline.

The anterior curve 906 can begin at a linear distance of about 20percent of the ML width from the first edge 910 and extend to theposterior curve 904. According to such embodiments, a transition surface918 can extend between the first edge 910 and the anterior curve 906.Additionally, according to certain embodiments, the anterior curve 906can begin at about 20 percent of the ML width from the first edge 910and be acute or at a right angle to the first edge 910. Further, theanterior curve 906 can have a radius of curvature up to, and including,an infinite radius (e.g., a straight edge).

FIG. 14A illustrates, a proximal side view of an embodiment of a lateralunicondylar tibia implant 1000 having at least three lateral curves1002. The three lateral curves 1002 can include a posterior curve 1004,a lateral curve 1006, and an anterior curve 1008. Further, FIG. 14Billustrates the lateral unicondylar tibia implant 1000 depicted in FIG.14A superimposed over an exemplary proximal tibia portion of a tibia118. While FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a lateral unicondylar tibiaimplant 1000 for a lateral compartment 203 of a tibia 118 for the leftknee, similar features also may be utilized for a lateral compartment ofa tibia for the right knee, wherein the location or orientation of thedepicted lateral unicondylar tibia implant 1000 can be adjusted toaccommodate the change in hand from left to right.

The implant 1000 shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B includes an outer edge 1010having a first edge 1012, 1012′ and a second edge. 1014 at opposingsides of the implant 1000. While the first edge 1012, 1012′ is depictedin FIGS. 14A and 14B as being a relatively straight edge, the first edge1012, 1012′ can have a variety of other configurations such as, forexample, configurations that generally follow or otherwise provideclearance from the soft tissue boundaries of the tibial spine. Forexample, according to certain embodiments, the first edge 1012, 1012′can be straight, curved, and/or scalloped, as well as variouscombinations thereof, among other shapes and configurations. Further, asshown in FIG. 14A, the first edge 1012, 1012′ is closer to the center ofthe tibia 118 than the second edge 1014, and thus the first edge 1012can be considered bone facing. According to certain embodiments, thefirst edge 1012 can be configured to be generally parallel to the tibiaspine or AP tibia axis 212 of the tibia 118. However, alternatively,according to certain embodiments, the first edge 1012′ of the implant1000 can be angled anterior to posterior relative to the AP tibia axis212, in a manner that may facilitate the first edge 1012′ following alateral edge of the ACL 224 and PCL 226. Further, as with other portionsof the outer edge 1010 and other implants discussed herein, transitionsurfaces, including curves, edge blends, and/or straight lines, as wellas a combination thereof, also can be present where otherwisenon-tangent edges may occur.

Additionally, in the depicted embodiment, the first edge 1012, 1012′ andsecond edge 1014 can be configured to provide the implant 1000 with a MLwidth in the ML direction (as indicated by the “ML” direction in FIG.14A) that, for purposes of discussion, is identified in FIG. 14A as “X”.The ML width can, according to certain embodiments, represent themaximum ML width of the implant 1000 generally in the ML direction. Forexample, according to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14A, the ML widthcan be the maximum width between the first and second edges 1012, 1012′,1014 along a line that is generally perpendicular to the first edge1012, 1012′.

The outer edge 1010 of the implant 1000 also can include an anterioredge 1016 and a posterior edge 1018. According to certain embodiments,the anterior and posterior edges 1016, 1018 generally extend between thefirst and second edges 1012, 1012′, 1014 along opposing sides of theouter edge 1010 of the implant 1000. According to the illustratedembodiment, the anterior edge 1016 and the posterior edge 1018 can beseparated from each other by an AP width in the AP direction (asindicated by the “AP” direction in FIG. 14A). The AP width can,according to certain embodiments, correspond to the maximum width of theimplant 1000 in the AP direction. For example, according to theembodiment depicted in FIG. 14A, the AP width may be the width betweenthe anterior and posterior edges 1016, 1018 along a line that isgenerally perpendicular to the measurement used for the ML width and/ormay be generally parallel to the illustrated first edge 1012. Accordingto the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the aspect ratio of theAP width to the ML width (as indicated by “AP:MP” in FIG. 14A) of theimplant 1000 can be about 1.1:1 to about 1.5:1, and more specifically,about 1.1:1 to about 1.4:1, among other ranges. Further, transitionsurfaces, including straight and curved surfaces and edge blends, can bepresent along the outer edge 1010 at least at locations wherenon-tangent edges may otherwise occur.

The posterior curve 1004 may begin, or stop, along at least a portion ofthe posterior edge 1018. For example, according to certain embodiments,the posterior curve 1004 can begin at a linear distance of about 25percent to about 35 percent of the ML width from the first edge 1012,1012′. Further, as shown in FIG. 14A, according to certain embodiments,the posterior curve 1004 can be coupled to the first edge 1012, 1012′ bya transition surface 1020 such as, for example, a straight or curvedline. According to the illustrated embodiment, the transition surfacebetween the posterior curve 1004 and the first edge 1012, 1012′ can beangled from the first edge 1012, 1012′ to the posterior curve 1004 in amanner in which the transition surface 1020 is joined to the posteriorcurve 1004 at a posterior position than is offset from, or otherwisefurther in the posterior direction, than the junction between thetransition surface 1020 and the most posterior portion of the first edge1012, 1012′. Further, the posterior curve 1004, which can have a radiusof curvature that is smaller than the radii of curvature of the outerand anterior curves 1006, 1008, can extend along the second edge 1014and end either tangent of the AP axis of the tibia 118 at the mostlateral portion of the second edge 1014 or at a section defining thesecond edge 1014, and more specifically, end at a straight edge orrelatively large transition radius that passes through the lateral mostpoint between the posterior and lateral curves.

The lateral curve 1006 can have a radius of curvature that is smallerthan the radii of curvature of the anterior curve 1008, can begin eitherat the junction with the posterior curve 1004 or at a section definingthe second edge 1014 such as, for example, begin at a straight edge orrelatively large transition radius that passes through the lateral mostpoint between the posterior and lateral curves. Further, the lateralcurve 1006 can extend to a junction with the anterior curve 1008, whichcan be generally located at a linear distance of about 40 percent toabout 60 percent the ML width from the first edge 1012, 1012′. Thelateral curve 1006 also can be joined to the anterior curve 1008 by oneor more transition surfaces 1020 including, for example, a smallerradius blend between the anterior and lateral curves 1008, 1010. Thetangency of the outer and posterior curves 1006, 1004 or second edge1014 with the midline of the first edge 1012, 1012′ can be within about0 percent to about 20 percent of the ML width posterior of the midline.The anterior curve 1008 can begin at a linear distance of about 20percent of the ML width from the first edge 1012, 1012′ and extend tothe lateral curve 1006. Further, according to certain embodiments, atransition surface 1020 can extend between the first edge 1012, 1012′and the anterior curve 1008.

An aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that can include an outer edgeincluding a first edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterioredge. At least a portion of the first and second edges can be separatedby an ML width, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterioredges being separated by an AP width. Additionally, the outer edge canfurther include a posterior curve and an anterior curve, at least aportion of the anterior and posterior curves can extend along the secondedge. Further, the anterior curve can have a radius of curvature that isabout 75 to about 100 percent the ML width, the posterior curve can havea radius of curvature that is about 70 to about 90 percent the ML width,and the AP width can be about 160 percent to about 190 percent the M-Lwidth, among other ranges.

Such an implant device can also include, among other features, one ormore of the following, as well as various combinations thereof: thefirst edge being configured to be parallel to the midline AP axis of thetibia; the first edge being angled anterior to posterior to the AP axisof the tibia; the first edge having an angled orientation configured tofollow the medial edge of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments;and/or the anterior and posterior curves being joined by a transitionsurface that is posterior of the midline of the AP axis of the tibia andwhich extends for a length that is about 0 to about 25 percent the MLwidth.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that includes an outer edge having afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge. Atleast a portion of the first and second edges can be separated by a MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges can beseparated by an AP width. Further, the outer edge of the implant devicecan further include a posterior curve, a medial curve, and an anteriorcurve, at least a portion of the anterior, medial, and posterior curvesextending along the second edge. Additionally, the anterior curve canhave a radius of curvature that is about 75 to about 100 percent the MLwidth, and the anterior curve can extend about 60 to about 80 percent ofML width from the first edge. The medial curve of the implant device canalso have a radius of curvature that is about 90 to about 110 percent ofthe ML width, and a tangency of the medial curve to the AP axis of thetibia can be posterior the AP midline and up to 25 percent of the MLwidth. The posterior curve can have a radius of curvature that is about70 to about 90 percent the ML width. Additionally, the posterior curvecan begin about 0 to about 25 percent of the ML width from the firstedge and extend to about 75 percent, but less than 100 percent, of theML width from the first edge. Further, the AP width can be about 160 toabout 190 percent the ML width.

Such an implant device can also include, among other features, one ormore of the following, as well as various combinations thereof: thefirst edge being configured to be parallel to the midline AP axis of thetibia; the first edge being angled anterior to posterior to the AP axisof the tibia; and/or the first edge having an angled orientationconfigured to follow the medial edge of the anterior and posteriorcruciate ligaments.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that includes an outer edge having afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge, atleast a portion of the first and second edges can be separated by MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges can beseparated by an AP width. The outer edge of the implant device canfurther include a lateral curve that extends along at least a portion ofthe second edge. The lateral curve can have a radius of curvature thatis about 55 to about 70 percent the ML width. Additionally, the lateralcurve can begin within about 10 percent of the ML width from the firstedge and the AP width can be about 110 to about 150 percent the MLwidth.

Such an implant device can also include, among other features, one ormore of the following, as well as various combinations thereof: thefirst edge being configured to be parallel to the midline A-P axis ofthe tibia; the first edge being angled anterior to posterior to the A-Paxis of the tibia; and/or the first edge having an angled orientationconfigured to follow the lateral edge of the anterior and posteriorcruciate ligaments.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that includes an outer edge having afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge, atleast a portion of the first and second edges can be separated by MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges can beseparated by an AP width. Additionally, the outer edge of the implantdevice can further include a posterior curve, a lateral curve, and ananterior curve, at least a portion of the anterior, medial, andposterior curves extending along the second edge. The anterior curve canbegin within about 20 percent of the ML width from the medial edge andextend to the lateral curve and can have a radius larger than thelateral curve up to and including an infinite radius. Additionally, thelateral curve can begin at a junction with the posterior curve, extendthrough the tangency with the second edge, and end at the junction ofthe anterior curve between about 30 to about 75 percent of the ML widthfrom the first edge. The tangency of the lateral curve with the midlineof the first edge can be within about 0 to about 20 percent of the MLwidth posterior of the midline. Further, the posterior curve can have aradius of curvature that is smaller than the radius of curvature of theanterior and lateral curves. The posterior curve can begin about 20percent of the ML width from the first edge and extend to about 75percent, but less than 100 percent, of the ML width from the first edge.Additionally, the AP width can be about 110 percent to about 150 percentthe ML width.

Such an implant device can also include, among other features, one ormore of the following, as well as various combinations thereof: thefirst edge being configured to be parallel to the midline AP axis of thetibia; the first edge being angled anterior to posterior to the AP axisof the tibia; and/or the first edge having an angled orientationconfigured to follow the lateral edge of the anterior and posteriorcruciate ligaments.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that includes an outer edge having afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge, atleast a portion of the first and second edges being separated by MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges beingseparated by an AP width. The outer edge can further include a posteriorcurve, two lateral curves, and an anterior curve, at least a portion ofthe anterior, lateral, and posterior curves extending along the secondedge. The anterior curve can begin within about 20 percent of the MLwidth from the medial edge, extend to the lateral curve, and have aradius larger than the lateral curve up to and including an infiniteradius. The two lateral curves can begin at a junction with theposterior curve, extend through the tangency with the second edge, andend at the junction of the anterior curve between about 10 to about 60percent of the ML width from the anterior edge. The two lateral curvescan be composed of either one or two sections, the two lateral curveseach having a radius that is larger than the radius of curvature of theposterior and anterior curves, and the tangency of the two lateralcurves with the midline of the second edge being within about 0 to about20 percent of the ML width posterior of the midline. The posterior curvecan begin about 10 to about 60 percent of the ML width from the firstedge. The posterior curve can be joined to the first edge by arelatively straight surface or a curve having a radius that exceeds thetwo lateral curves, and extend to about 75 percent, but less than 100percent, of the ML width from the first edge. The AP width can be about110 to about 150 percent the ML width.

Such an implant device can also include, among other features, one ormore of the following, as well as various combinations thereof: thefirst edge can be configured to be parallel to the midline AP axis ofthe tibia; the first edge can be angled anterior to posterior to the APaxis of the tibia; and/or the first edge can have an angled orientationconfigured to follow the lateral edge of the anterior and posteriorcruciate ligaments.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that includes an outer edge having afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge, atleast a portion of the first and second edges being separated by MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges beingseparated by an AP width. An end of the first edge can be angledanterior to posterior to the AP axis of the tibia to provide an end ofthe first edge adjacent to the posterior edge at a posterior offsetposition. The outer edge can further include a posterior curve, alateral curve, and an anterior curve, at least a portion of theanterior, lateral, and posterior curves can extend along the secondedge. The anterior curve can begin within about 20 percent of the MLwidth from the first edge, extends to the lateral curve, and have aradius that is larger than the lateral curve up to and including aninfinite radius. The lateral curve can begin at a junction with theposterior curve, extend through the tangency with the second edge, andend at the junction of the anterior curve between about 40 to about 100percent of the ML width from the first edge. The radius of curvature ofthe lateral curve can be smaller than the radii of curvature of theanterior and posterior curves. The tangency of the lateral curve withthe midline of the first edge can be within about 0 to about 20 percentof the ML width posterior of the midline. The posterior curve can have aradius of curvature that is smaller than the radius of curvature of theanterior curve and larger than the lateral curve. The posterior curvecan extend to about 70 to about 100 percent of the ML width from thefirst edge, and the AP width can be about 110 to about 150 percent theML width. The first edge of such an implant device can also have anangled orientation that is configured to follow the lateral edge of theanterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that includes an outer edge having afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge. Atleast a portion of the first and second edges can be separated by a MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges can beseparated by an AP width. The outer edge can further include a posteriorcurve, a lateral curve, and an anterior curve, at least a portion of theanterior, lateral, and posterior curves can extend along the secondedge. The anterior curve can begin within about 20 percent of the MLwidth from the medial edge, extend to the lateral curve, and have aradius that is larger than the lateral curve, up to and including aninfinite radius. The lateral curve can begin at a junction with theposterior curve, extend through the tangency with the second edge, andend at the junction of the anterior curve between about 40 to about 60percent of the ML width from the first edge. The tangency of the lateralcurve with the midline of the first edge can be within about 0 to about20 percent of the ML width posterior of the midline. The posterior curvecan have a radius of curvature that is smaller than the radius ofcurvature of the anterior and lateral curves. The posterior curve canbeginning about 20 percent of the ML width from the first edge andextend to about 40 to about 60 percent of the ML width from the firstedge. The radius of curvature of the posterior curve can be smaller thanthe radii of curvature of the anterior and lateral curves. Additionally,the AP width can be about 110 percent to about 150 percent the ML width.

Such an implant device can also include, among other features, one ormore of the following, as well as various combinations thereof: firstedge can be configured to be parallel to the midline AP axis of thetibia; the first edge can be angled anterior to posterior to the AP axisof the tibia, or the first edge can have an angled orientation that isconfigured to follow the lateral edge of the anterior and posteriorcruciate ligaments.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia having an outer edge that includes afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge, atleast a portion of the first and second edges being separated by MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges beingseparated by an AP width. The outer edge further includes a posteriorcurve, two lateral curves, and an anterior curve, at least a portion ofthe anterior, lateral, and posterior curves extending along the secondedge. The anterior curve begins within about 20 percent of the ML widthfrom the medial edge, extends to one of the two lateral curves, and hasa radius larger than the lateral curve up to and including an infiniteradius. The anterior curve can be coupled to the first edge by a portionof the anterior edge that is acute or at a right angle to the firstedge. The two medial curves can begin at a junction with the posteriorcurve, extend through the tangency with the second edge of the firstedge, and end at the junction of the anterior curve between about 20 toabout 50 percent of the ML width from the anterior edge. The tangency ofthe two lateral curves with the midline of the second edge can be withinabout 0 to about 20 percent of the ML width posterior of the midline.The posterior curve can begin extending from about the first edge to adistance about 20 percent of the ML width from the first edge. Theposterior curve can have a radius that is smaller than the radii ofcurvature of the two lateral curves, and the AP width can be about 110percent to about 150 percent the ML width.

Such an implant device can also include, among other features, one ormore of the following, as well as various combinations thereof: thefirst edge being configured to be parallel to the midline AP axis of thetibia; the first edge being angled anterior to posterior to the AP axisof the tibia; and/or the first edge having an angled orientation that isconfigured to follow the lateral edge of the anterior and posteriorcruciate ligaments.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is an implantdevice for implantation on a tibia that includes an outer edge having afirst edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge, atleast a portion of the first and second edges being separated by MLwidth, and at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edges beingseparated by an AP width. An end of the first edge can be angledanterior to posterior to the AP axis of the tibia to provide an end ofthe first edge adjacent to the posterior edge at a posterior offsetposition. The outer edge can further include a posterior curve, alateral curve, and an anterior, curve, at least a portion of theanterior, lateral, and posterior curves can extend along the secondedge. The anterior curve can begin within about 20 percent of the MLwidth from the medial edge, extend to the lateral curve, and have aradius that is larger than the lateral curve. The lateral curve canbegin at a junction with the posterior curve, extend through thetangency with the second edge, and end at the junction of the anteriorcurve between about 40 to about 60 percent of the ML width from thefirst edge. The tangency of the lateral curve with the midline of thefirst edge can be within about 0 to about 20 percent of the ML widthposterior of the midline. The posterior curve can have a radius ofcurvature that is smaller than the radius of curvature of the anteriorand lateral curves. The posterior curve can begin about 25 to about 35percent of the ML width from the offset end of the first edge. Theposterior curve and first end can be joined by a transition surface thatis angled in the posterior direction. The radius of curvature of theposterior curve can be smaller than the radii of curvature of theanterior and lateral curves, and the AP width can be about 110 percentto about 150 percent the ML width. The first edge of such an implantdevice can also have an angled orientation that is configured to followthe lateral edge of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiment(s), but on the contrary, is intended to covervarious modifications and equivalent arrangements included within thespirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accordedthe broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modificationsand equivalent structures as permitted under the law. Furthermore itshould be understood that while the use of the word preferable,preferably, or preferred in the description above indicates that featureso described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessaryand any embodiment lacking the same may be contemplated as within thescope of the invention, that scope being defined by the claims thatfollow. In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as“a,” “an,” “at least one” and “at least a portion” are used, there is nointention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically statedto the contrary in the claim. Further, when the language “at least aportion” and/or “a portion” is used the item may include a portionand/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An implant device for implantation on atibia, comprising: an outer edge including a first edge, a second edge,an anterior edge, and a posterior edge, at least a portion of the firstand second edges being separated by an ML width, at least a portion ofthe anterior and posterior edges being separated by an AP width; whereinthe outer edge further includes at least one curve extending along atleast a portion of the second edge; wherein the AP width is about 110percent to about 150 percent of the ML width; and wherein the at leastone curve comprises a lateral curve having a radius of curvature that isabout 55 percent to about 70 percent of the ML width, and the lateralcurve begins within about 10 percent of the ML width from the firstedge.
 2. The implant device of claim 1, wherein the at least one curvefurther comprises a posterior curve and an anterior curve, at least aportion of the anterior and posterior curves extending along the secondedge.
 3. The implant device of claim 2, wherein the at least one curvefurther comprises a medial curve, and wherein at least a portion of themedial curve extends along the second edge.
 4. The implant device ofclaim 3, wherein the anterior curve extends about 60 percent to about 80percent of the ML width from the first edge.
 5. The implant device ofclaim 2, wherein the posterior curve begins about 0 percent to about 25percent of the ML width from the first edge and extends to about 75percent to less than 100 percent of the ML width from the first edge. 6.The implant device of claim 2, wherein the posterior and anterior curvesare joined by a transition surface that is posteriorly offset from amidline of an AP axis of the tibia and extends for a length that isabout 0 percent to about 25 percent of the ML width.
 7. The implantdevice of claim 3, wherein the medial curve has a radius of curvaturethat is about 90 percent to about 110 percent of the ML width, andwherein a tangency of the medial curve to the AP axis of the tibia isposterior to the AP midline and up to 25 percent of the ML width.
 8. Theimplant device of claim 1, wherein the first edge is configured to beoriented parallel to a midline AP axis of the tibia.
 9. The implantdevice of claim 1, wherein the first edge is angled in an anterior toposterior direction relative to an AP axis of the tibia.
 10. The implantdevice of claim 1, wherein the first edge has an angled orientationconfigured to follow a medial edge of the anterior and posteriorcruciate ligaments.
 11. The implant device of claim 1, wherein the atleast one curve further comprises a posterior curve and an anteriorcurve, at least a portion of the lateral, posterior and anterior curvesextends along the second edge; wherein the anterior curve begins withinabout 20 percent of the ML width from a medial edge and extends to thelateral curve, and has a radius of curvature that is larger than aradius of curvature of the lateral curve; wherein the lateral curvebegins at a junction with the posterior curve, extends through thetangency with the second edge, and ends at the junction of the anteriorcurve between about 30 to about 75 percent of the ML width from thefirst edge, the tangency of the lateral curve with the midline of thefirst edge is within about 0 percent to about 20 percent of the ML widthposterior of a midline of the tibia; wherein the posterior curve has aradius of curvature that is smaller than a radius of curvature of eachthe anterior curve and the lateral curve, the posterior curve beginningabout 20 percent of the ML width from the first edge and extending toabout 75 percent but less than 100 percent of the ML width from thefirst edge.
 12. An implant device for implantation on a tibia,comprising: an outer edge including a first edge, a second edge, ananterior edge, and a posterior edge, at least a portion of the first andsecond edges being separated by an ML width, at least a portion of theanterior and posterior edges being separated by an AP width; wherein theouter edge further includes at least one curve extending along at leasta portion of the second edge; wherein the AP width is about 110 percentto about 150 percent of the ML width; wherein the at least one curvecomprises a posterior curve, two lateral curves, and an anterior curve,at least a portion of the anterior, lateral, and posterior curvesextending along the second edge; wherein the anterior curve beginswithin about 20 percent of the ML width from a medial edge and extendsto the lateral curve, and has a radius of curvature that is larger thana radius of curvature of the lateral curve; wherein the two lateralcurves begin at a junction with the posterior curve, extend through thetangency with the second edge and end at the junction of the anteriorcurve between about 10 percent to about 60 percent of the ML width fromthe anterior edge, the two lateral curves comprising either one or twosections, the two lateral curves each having a radius of curvature thatis larger than the radius of curvature of each of the posterior curveand the anterior curve, the tangency of the two lateral curves with amidline of the second edge being within about 0-20 percent of the MLwidth posterior of the midline; and wherein the posterior curve beginsabout 10 percent to about 60 percent of the ML width from the firstedge, the posterior curve being joined to the first edge by a relativelystraight surface or a curve having a radius of curvature that exceeds aradius of curvature of the two lateral curves, and extending to about 75percent but less than 100 percent of the ML width from the first edge.13. An implant device for implantation on a tibia, comprising: an outeredge including a first edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and aposterior edge, at least a portion of the first and second edges beingseparated by an ML width, at least a portion of the anterior andposterior edges being separated by an AP width; wherein the outer edgefurther includes at least one curve extending along at least a portionof the second edge; wherein the AP width is about 110 percent to about150 percent of the ML width; wherein an end of the first edge is angledin an anterior to posterior direction relative to an AP axis of thetibia to provide an end of the first edge adjacent to the posterior edgeat a posterior offset position; wherein the at least curve comprises aposterior curve, a lateral curve, and an anterior curve, at least aportion of the posterior, lateral and anterior curves extending alongthe second edge; wherein the anterior curve begins within about 20percent of the ML width from the first edge and extends to the lateralcurve and having a radius of curvature that is larger than a radius ofcurvature of the lateral curve; wherein the lateral curve begins at ajunction with the posterior curve, extending through the tangency withthe second edge, and ending at a junction of the anterior curve betweenabout 40 percent to about 100 percent of the ML width from the firstedge, a radius of curvature of the lateral curve being smaller than aradii of curvature of the anterior and posterior curves, the tangency ofthe lateral curve with a midline of the first edge being within about 0percent to about 20 percent of the ML width posterior of the midline;and wherein the posterior curve has a radius of curvature that issmaller than the radius of curvature of the anterior curve and largerthan the radius of curvature of the lateral curve, the posterior curveextending to about 70 percent to about 100 percent of the ML width fromthe first edge.
 14. An implant device for implantation on a tibia,comprising: an outer edge including a first edge, a second edge, ananterior edge, and a posterior edge, at least a portion of the first andsecond edges being separated by an ML width, at least a portion of theanterior and posterior edges being separated by an AP width; wherein theouter edge further includes at least one curve extending along at leasta portion of the second edge; wherein the AP width is about 110 percentto about 150 percent of the ML width; wherein the at least one curvecomprises a posterior curve, a lateral curve, and an anterior curve, atleast a portion of the posterior, lateral and anterior curves extendingalong the second edge; wherein the anterior curve begins within about 20percent of the ML width from the first edge and extends to a medialcurve and has a radius larger than the medial curve up to and includingan infinite radius; wherein the lateral curve begins at a junction withthe posterior curve, extends through the tangency with the second edge,and ends at the junction of the anterior curve between about 40 percentto about 60 percent of the ML width from the first edge, the tangency ofthe lateral curve with a midline of the first edge is within about 0percent to about 20 percent of the ML width posterior of the midline;wherein the posterior curve has a radius of curvature that is smallerthan the radius of curvature of the anterior and lateral curves, theposterior curve beginning about 20 percent of the ML width from thefirst edge and extending to about 40 percent to about 60 percent of theML width from the first edge, a radius of curvature of the posteriorcurve being smaller than radii of curvature of the anterior and lateralcurves.
 15. An implant device for implantation on a tibia, comprising:an outer edge including a first edge, a second edge, an anterior edge,and a posterior edge, at least a portion of the first and second edgesbeing separated by an ML width, at least a portion of the anterior andposterior edges being separated by an AP width; wherein the outer edgefurther includes at least one curve extending along at least a portionof the second edge; wherein the AP width is about 110 percent to about150 percent of the ML width; wherein the at least one curve comprises aposterior curve, a first lateral curve, at least two lateral curves, andan anterior curve, at least a portion of the anterior curve, the atleast two lateral curves, and the posterior curve extending along thesecond edge; wherein the anterior curve begins within about 20 percentof the ML width from a medial edge and extends to the at least twolateral curves and has a radius of curvature that is larger than atleast one of the at least two lateral curves, the anterior curve beingcoupled to the first edge by a portion of the anterior edge that isacute or at a right angle to the first edge; wherein the at least twolateral curves begin at a junction with the posterior curve, extendthrough the tangency with the second edge of the first edge and end atthe junction of the anterior curve between about 20 percent to about 50percent of the ML width from the anterior edge, the tangency of the atleast two lateral curves with a midline of the second edge being withinabout 0 percent to about 20 percent of the ML width posterior of themidline; wherein the posterior curve extends from about the first edgeto a distance about 20 percent of the ML width from the first edge, theposterior curve having a radius that is smaller than radii of curvatureof the at least two lateral curves.
 16. An implant device forimplantation on a tibia, comprising: an outer edge including a firstedge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterior edge, at least aportion of the first and second edges being separated by an ML width, atleast a portion of the anterior and posterior edges being separated byan AP width; wherein the outer edge further includes at least one curveextending along at least a portion of the second edge; wherein the APwidth is about 110 percent to about 150 percent of the ML width; whereinthe at least one curve comprises a posterior curve, a lateral curve, andan anterior curve, at least a portion of the posterior, lateral andanterior curves extending along the second edge; wherein the anteriorcurve begins within about 20 percent of the ML width from a medial edgeand extends to the lateral curve and has a radius larger than thelateral curve; wherein the lateral curve begins at a junction with theposterior curve, extends through the tangency with the second edge, andends at the junction of the anterior curve between about 40 percent toabout 60 percent of the ML width from the first edge, the tangency ofthe lateral curve with a midline of the first edge is within about 0percent to about 20 percent of the ML width posterior of the midline;wherein the posterior curve has a radius of curvature that is smallerthan a radius of curvature of the anterior and lateral curves, theposterior curve beginning about 25 percent to about 35 percent of the MLwidth from an offset end of the first edge, the posterior curve andfirst end being joined by a transition surface that is angled in aposterior direction, a radius of curvature of the posterior curve beingsmaller than radii of curvature of the anterior and lateral curves. 17.An implant device for implantation on a tibia, comprising: an outer edgeincluding a first edge, a second edge, an anterior edge, and a posterioredge, at least a portion of the first and second edges being separatedby an ML width, at least a portion of the anterior and posterior edgesbeing separated by an AP width; wherein the outer edge further includesa posterior curve, a lateral curve, and an anterior curve, at least aportion of the posterior, lateral and anterior curves extends along thesecond edge; wherein the anterior curve has a radius of curvature thatis about 75 percent to about 100 percent of the ML width, the anteriorcurve extending about 60 percent to about 80 percent of the ML widthfrom the first edge; wherein the lateral curve has a radius of curvaturethat is about 90 percent to about 110 percent of the ML width, andwherein a tangency of the lateral curve to an AP axis of the tibia isposterior to an AP midline and up to 25 percent of the ML width; whereinthe posterior curve has a radius of curvature that is about 70 percentto about 90 percent of the ML width, the posterior curve beginning about0 percent to about 25 percent of the ML width from the first edge andextending to about 75 percent to less than 100 percent of the ML widthfrom the first edge; and wherein the AP width is about 160 percent toabout 190 percent of the ML width.